Another Certificate, Another Skill: Are Young Professionals Upskilling Or Just Adding To Their Anxiety?

Young professionals across Indian cities are increasingly collecting professional certifications in fields like wellness, mountaineering, and dance, alongside their day jobs. According to Jitin Thapar, a strategic advisor, many of them are engaging in these activities out of anxiety, rather than genuine interest or passion. He argues that while upskilling can be beneficial if done for the right reasons, it can also add to one's anxiety and burden.

The urge to learn new skills is driven by factors like job insecurity, desire to increase career opportunities, and personal joy. However, the motives behind certification-stacking can vary greatly among individuals. Some, like Ankit Gupta, aim to secure their family's financial future, while others, like Mridula Gupta, seek to broaden their global job prospects.

Others, like Anjali Sharma, simply enjoy learning for the sake of it. Experts like Sonica Aron and Dipal Dutta see this trend as a positive sign, as it allows people to explore their interests beyond career progression. Yet, others like Dr Pratyaksha Bhardwaj caution against accruing credentials merely to avoid feeling left behind.

Palak Gupta from Jotwani Associates suggests that employees should ensure their employers are aware of any side income, as it may be subject to taxation. Ultimately, the question remains: are these certifications a stepping stone to a new career or a comfort blanket for an uncertain job market?